4 Replies:

You can only get the HIV virus from another person who carries the virus. It makes no difference if the sexual contact is heterosexual or homosexual. Statistically, there are more straight people with AIDS than gay people, so there's no need to worry simply on the basis of homosexual contact. However, unprotected sex or sex with unfamiliar partners is ALWAYS risky, regardless of gender.One should also point out that if a seven-year-old is engaging in "sexual" activity (I'd hesitate to call it "sex" at that age), it raises the very serious question of child abuse, statutory rape, and so on. That seems like a far greater concern at the moment. No child of that age should be having "sex", whether gay or straight.If this is a case of two young boys "playing around", then it's the same as children playing "doctor", and while this behavior is fairly common, the parents ought to discuss those things with the children involved and stop it from happening again until the child is old enough for such activity. Also, IF that were the case, then it's highly unlikely that the other child has HIV or AIDS, just by sheer demographics. Of course, you can always have the child tested.If, however, this is a case of statutory rape, then naturally the child should be tested for ALL STD's, and given counseling and help. The perpetrator should also be prosecuted.And finally, if this is something that happened years ago, you should know that the HIV virus almost always presents symptoms within a couple of years, especially without treatment. But still, if there are any concerns, you can always get tested. There are plenty of anonymous programs out there to help people keep their dignity.

Why would age matter? If both partners were not HIV carriers, then there's no risk. Getting tested would be the only way to know if you are HIV positive, but it sometimes doesn't show for 15+ years.HIV can usually be detected with a test within 6 months after infection, 25 das on average.The time from HIV infection to AIDS is variable but the average is about 11 years without treatment.